8 Great Places to Visit in Central England

Hereford

Hereford is one of the most underrated cities in England. It and its county, Herefordshire, don’t tend to get the attention other parts of England do, but it’s a wonderful small city with the feel of a country town. Herefordshire is very much a rural county, and Hereford is the market for its products, including its famous cattle and cider. It’s close to the Welsh border and indeed was described by Richard I of England as being ‘in Wales’.

The main landmarks in the city are its cathedral and the medieval bridge over the River Wye. It also has several churches from the medieval period and several beautifully preserved historic houses.

MUST DO IN HEREFORD:

• Hereford Cathedral: The cathedral is the undoubted highlight of Hereford, and it has a magnificent setting close to the River Wye. The present building was begun in 1079, with additions following throughout the Middle Ages. The cathedral is home to the famous Mappa Mundi, an intricate map of the world dating from around 1300.
• The Black and White House Museum: Formerly known as the Old House, this half-timbered building was built in 1621 and is a museum of the Jacobean era. The house is furnished as it would have been at this time and you can pick up and try on clothes in the style of the era. It’s a great little museum for all ages.
• Herefordshire’s Black and White Villages: The county of Herefordshire is full of treasures, from gentle country scenery to stunning Norman churches but the highlight is the black and white half-timbered villages of which the best of these are Eardisland, Weobley and Pembridge.

Contribution from David and Faith of Travel with Little One

Stratford-Upon-Avon

Named for the River Avon that flows through this charming, English town, Stratford-upon-Avon is a medieval market town that would make a great day trip from London as it’s only about an hour drive from the city.

First incorporated in 1196, the village has retained much of its historic flavour, despite being a bustling modern village. It’s most well-known though for being the epicentre of all things Shakespeare. The famous poet was born here, spent most of his life here, and died and was buried in this quiet English town. Most of his immediate family had homes here as well.

Although visited by millions of tourists every year, the town itself is charming and distinctly English, as well as a worthwhile step back in time.

MUST DO IN STRATFORD-UPON-AVON:

• Shakespeare’s Birthplace: Tour the very building where, in 1564, William Shakespeare was born. From the outside, the wattle-and-daub half-timbered building isn’t much to look at, but at the time it was built, it was the largest house on the street. Not only was he born here, but he spent the first five years of his marriage to Anne Hathaway is the home. It operated as a bustling inn until 1847, when Shakespeare Birthplace Trust bought it. Much of the furniture and artefacts are original from Shakespeare’s time, as well as the building itself.
• Holy Trinity Church: It’s here that Shakespeare’s family worshipped, and it’s here that many of them, including the poet, were buried. Although still an active parish, visitors are welcome to come and see the graves of Shakespeare, his wife, and their daughter Susanna.
• Royal Shakespeare Theatre: You can’t visit Stratford-upon-Avon without seeing a performance of one of Shakespeare’s plays! Many of the world’s best Shakespearean actors perform here.

Contribution from Maggie of Pink Caddy Travelogue

Cambridge

A historic university town that combines the sound of spokes and pedals with books opening to the next theory to study. Cambridge is a city in the heart of England that boasts the best spot to punt, an unmatched literary history and more significant landmarks than most English spots.

Have a picnic at Park’s Piece, stand beside the sapling grown from the tree that dropped the apple on Isaac’s head, or buy a piece of art where Quentin Blake, illustrator of many Roald Dahl novels frequents and signs the odd original print.

Cambridge has a wealth of sights and foodie must-tries, such as fish & chips at the Eagle Pub. When you enter this pub take a look at the ceilings where you’ll find writing burned within it that is messages from former Royal Air Force pilots who would come in here for a pint during WWII. With scenery perfect for that quintessential photograph, Cambridgeshire truly has it all to be a worthy inclusion on any British holiday itinerary.

MUST DO IN CAMBRIDGE:

• A Walking Tour of the Colleges and Grounds: There are 31 colleges that make up the University of Cambridge! Each building is remarkable to see and learn further of its academic significance as well as its stately history. Take a guided tour and learn more about these iconic buildings, the carefully manicured gardens, and just why it attracts such alumni as Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin, and Sir Isaac Newton to name a few.
• See “Winnie The Pooh” as well as the Grimm Bros Manuscripts:  Visit Wren Library within the university to see the encased original “Winnie the Pooh” book penned by A.A. Milne. Within the same library, see the Brothers Grimm’s stories as well as an original copy of Tennyson’s haunting “Crossing the Bar” poem.
• Punting: Sort of like the newly popular art of supping, take a stab at punting. A true test of balance, give it a try yourself with your own boat and pole or pay for a university student to take you for an informative tour.

Contribution from Janine of Fill My Passport

Colchester

MUST DO IN COLCHESTER:

• Colchester Zoo: The zoo was established in 1963 and has grown massively over the years. They even have a private nature reserve in Africa! Colchester Zoo is home to over 250 species. One of their most impressive enclosures is ‘Kingdom of the Wild’, a huge open-air space where giraffes, rhinos, zebras, ostriches and kudu all co-exist together. There are special events throughout the year, as well as daily displays, educational programmes and animal feeding opportunities.
• Colchester Castle: Parts of Colchester Castle are over 2000 years old and can be seen by taking a special tour of the underground vaults! The tour now even takes guests up onto the roof, to see a tree that was planted after the Battle of Waterloo. The rest of the castle is around 300 years old and has a museum about what life was like during the Roman era. There are props and costumes for visitors to try on and hands-on exhibits.
• Castle Park: Castle Park is a great outdoor space to enjoy the fresh air. Both Colchester Castle and Castle Park are just off the High Street in the city centre, making it a great place to chill out after a day of shopping. There’s a small boating lake open during the summer months, playground equipment and lots of friendly squirrels! Special events are held at Castle Park throughout the year.

Contribution from Kylie of Between England and Iowa

Norwich

Norwich is located 100 miles northeast of London in the county of Norfolk. It was England’s second city from the Middle Ages until the Industrial Revolution. While it may no longer hold that position it is still the most complete medieval city in the UK and in many places, you will also see remnants of the old city walls. You may feel like you have gone back in time strolling down Elm Hill, with the Tudor style buildings.

The ancient medieval city of Norwich at one time had 36 parish churches within its walls. While some of those churches are still places of worship, others have been repurposed. Both the Anglican Norwich Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Cathedral are impressive landmarks.

In addition to the beautiful architecture, there is plenty of natural scenery to explore too. Norwich is the only city in the United Kingdom within a national park – the Norfolk Broads.

MUST DO IN NORWICH:

• Norwich Castle: Norwich Castle was built by the Normans as a Royal Palace 900 years ago! You can explore the castle keep, museum, and art gallery which are packed with historical treasures.
• Norwich Cathedral: The Norwich Cathedral is one of the finest complete Romanesque cathedrals in Europe. It has the second-tallest spire and largest monastic cloisters in England. Edith Cavell, a heroine from World War I, is buried at the cathedral. It is free to visit the cathedral, but donations are welcome.
• The Market: Norwich Market is one of the largest and oldest open-air markets in England. Inside the colourful stalls, you will find a great selection of unique foods, clothes, toys, jewellery, and more!

Contribution from Anisa of 2 Traveling Texans

Dovercourt

Dovercourt is a small seaside town in Essex. Visiting Dovercourt is a nice day trip from London. It is easy to get to by train and then you can explore the town on foot.

MUST DO IN DOVERCOURT:

• Visit a seal colony: One amazing and possible once in a lifetime experience you can have is going on a kayak trip with Nomad Sea Kayaking to observe a seal colony. You will launch from the beach and paddle to the seal colony. You will have to be quiet and you must not approach the seals, but wait for them to get close to you on their own. Luckily they are curious creatures and they were quite brave and may come quite close. It is so much fun to see how they pop their heads up from the water and check out their visitors. Paddling can be exhausting, especially if it’s a windy day, but the sore muscles are so worth it for this unique experience. If you are not so much into physical activities you can go on a boat trip to see the seals.
• Relax at the beach: Dovercourt is also great for a beach holiday. It can be so enjoyable just walking at the beach and admiring the cute, colourful beach huts. This is the perfect place for a picnic or flying a kite. On a sunny day, you can even go for a swim.
• Indulge at the local restaurants: The town has many restaurants and cafes. One favourite is a family run cafe called Station Cafe Restaurant. They have very tasty cakes, that you should definitely try if you are in the town.

Contribution from Eniko of Travel Hacker Girl

Warwick

With charming half-timbered buildings and surrounded by protective castle walls, the town of Warwick in Warwickshire is worth a visit on an itinerary in central England.

It is located upstream on the River Avon from the better-known Stratford and can’t be missed with its grand castle that dominates the banks of the river. The charming town has more to offer visitors than just the castle though, with a fine market square, some lovely eateries, and pretty gardens.

MUST DO IN WARWICK:

• Explore Warwick Castle: Considered one of England’s most kid-friendly experiences, the 14th/15th-century fortified shell has an 18th/19th-century royal residence inside. While quite touristy, and likened to a theme park, the whole family will love touring the opulent staterooms, climbing up towers and on ramparts, and learning about how the castle was electrified in 1894 at the mill and engine house.
• Stroll through the town with your camera in hand: With several pretty buildings in town, you could easily go for a wander and find Instagram-worthy photos. Start with the Lord Leycester Hospital which is made up of adjoining 14th-century half-timbered houses and considered to the most photogenic building in town. Then on to the arcaded Market Hall from 1670 that is a great example of Perpendicular architecture. And then finish off with a stop at Beauchamp Chapel which is the resting place of the Earls of Warwick.
• Enjoy an afternoon of English Gardens: Down a quaint half-timbered street, you’ll find the most appealing garden in Warwick – the Mill Garden. This little haven adjoins the castle property which means great views of the castle and the river. The Hill Close Gardens is actually a collection of 16 small Victorian garden plots and has a little café if you’re visiting around tea time. Finally, the pretty garden at Lord Leycester Hospital would be a lovely way to finish off your afternoon.

Ironbridge Gorge

We had an absolute wonderful time visiting Ironbridge Gorge and it may just be one of our favourite places in England we’ve visited so far. It was such an incredible experience to learn about its fascinating history and the significant role it played in shaping the world during its glory days.

From the first iron wheels to steam-powered locomotives and those iconic cast-iron bridges, it’s awe-inspiring to think about all the innovations that originated from the rich deposits of iron ore and coal, and the river that served as a means of transporting these materials. Visiting the museums and exploring the various exhibits was a fantastic way to immerse ourselves in the history of this incredible place.

Of course, like any other region, times changed, and in the 20th century, the industries that once thrived in the area started to decline, causing some challenges for the region. However, it’s amazing to see how the community came together to breathe new life into Ironbridge Gorge. Now, it has been lovingly restored and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, proudly symbolizing the Industrial Revolution.

Just a small sampling of the beautiful tiles at Jackfield Tile Museum

MUST DO IN IRONBRIDGE GORGE:

• Iron Bridge: This iconic structure was built back in 1779,as the world’s very first cast-iron bridge, and its purpose was to showcase the incredible potential of this new building material. It’s fascinating to know that the builders, not being experienced with cast-iron, decided to err on the side of sturdiness. So, they constructed the bridge using timber-jointing techniques, just as they would have done if it were made of wood, rather than using rivets. The tollhouse is free to visit and inside, you’ll find an engaging exhibit that takes you on a journey through the construction of this historic bridge, offering valuable insights into its engineering marvel. Once you’ve soaked in all the fascinating information, take a leisurely walk across the bridge. The views are simply breathtaking! As you stroll downstream along the towpath, you’ll be treated to magnificent sights that showcase the beauty of the surrounding area.
• Blist Hill Victorian Town: Covering 50 acres, this is an open-air folk museum that features Victorian industry, factories, and a recreated community from the 1890s. There is a bank, post office, blacksmith, pub, and more… even a pigsty to delight the kids! Visitors can also board a train for a trip through a clay mine or visit a complete foundry that still produces wrought iron. When you need a little snack, we recommend their homemade bread. My goodness, it was so delicious!
• Museums: History buffs interested in the Victorian Age will love a stop in Ironbridge Gorge to visit one, or all ten, of its museums. The Museum of the Gorge is where visitors are encouraged to start for the movie that gives a historical overview and puts everything in the area into context. The Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron tells the story of iron and the men who worked with it, including Abraham Darby I who discovered how to smelt iron ore with coke which allowed for mass production. And finally, our favourite, the Jackfield Tile Museum is a collection of decorative floor and wall tiles produced from the 1850s to 1960s and demos traditional tile-making. It was fascinating wondering through admiring all the workmanship and colourful tiles. We even brought one home from the gift shop that has a permanent place in our kitchen!

As our journey through central England comes to a close, we hope you’ve been enchanted by the region’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and the warm embrace of its charming towns. From the allure of ancient towns and majestic cathedrals to the tranquility of unspoiled landscapes like the Cotswolds and Chilterns, central England has proven itself as a treasure trove of wonders waiting to be explored.

Having personally experienced the beauty of these destinations, we can attest to the magic they hold – especially as we walked across the world’s first iron bridge and admired its beautiful architecture.

We hope our recommendations have fueled your wanderlust and left you eager to create your own cherished memories. Central England’s allure is timeless, and there are always new wonders to uncover. We know we’ll be back again!

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ENGLAND

• For more great weekend ideas around England and the rest of Britain, check out one of my favourites – 52 Great British Weekends: A Seasonal Guide to Britain’s Best Breaks
• For weekend ideas in London – The Weekend Starts Here: Fifty-Two Weekends of Things to See and Do – will give you lots of ideas!
• For all things England, you can’t go wrong with Rick Steves! Check out his England travel guide, full episodes of his TV show, or download his app for excellent audio tours.